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How low can I go?

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Old 04-12-2019, 01:26 AM
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Default How low can I go?

Got an 07 electra glide with factory suspension (rear air) I want to put the rear down 3 inches at least and possibly the front if I have to.... Need you harley wizards to tell my newbie *** the cheapest way I can achieve this safely..... I also have a 21 in wheel up front and want to know if I drop the rear 3 inches if it's gonna be bad? I see guys throw 21s on streetglides all the time and don't lower the front so. I Dont think I HAVE to (probably a good idea at some point)....
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 06:36 AM
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do you actually want to ride this bike? if you lower the rear 3 inches, you are effectively taking up all the room that the tire has for movement. you may as well just put solid struts on.
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 07:53 AM
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Agree. At 3” drop in the rear you’ll use solid bars to keep the tire out of the fender and the wiring tucked in there. Having had a hard tail some years ago, I can say it’s not as bad as people with no experience proclaim. That said, it isn’t nice either, and doesn’t help cornering.

Other alternatives, you could go with true air shocks. Lowering the bike completely down when stopped, and airing back up to ride.

You could also go with a smaller rear wheel.

Regardless, the bike will have no ground clearance and very little lean angle. So it will be effectively unrideable. Are you building a show bike? Or something you do want to ride around on?
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 10:10 AM
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don't forget about your engine crankcase...get it too low and you are at a greater risk of hitting something and breaking it...
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 11:01 AM
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Agreed 3 inches is way to much. Every bump you hit will bottom out the wheel on the fender, every corner you make will scrape the mufflers. This may also seriously effect the handling of a 900 pound electra glide. Drop it about 1 inch with the lowering kit available and add Harley low rider(not sure if that's what they call it) seat for short people. this gives you 2 inches or so with out affecting the handling of the bike. I know a guy who did this to his 07 ultra and although he likes it lower(now both feet flat on ground at stop) it did affect the handling slightly.
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 11:29 AM
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Three inches at least? yes there is a shop somewhere that can do that.
the four and five inch options involve a complete disrespect for physics.
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 12:03 PM
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Put air on it front and rear and lower as it sits.
 
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Old 04-12-2019, 06:00 PM
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Old 04-12-2019, 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by langwilliams
OP has an 07 bike. That won’t fit.
 
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Old 04-13-2019, 12:20 AM
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So do you or anyone else think I could get away with a 2 inch drop? Or just a total "NO" on any lowering?

QUOTE=foxtrapper;18177168]Agree. At 3” drop in the rear you’ll use solid bars to keep the tire out of the fender and the wiring tucked in there. Having had a hard tail some years ago, I can say it’s not as bad as people with no experience proclaim. That said, it isn’t nice either, and doesn’t help cornering.

Other alternatives, you could go with true air shocks. Lowering the bike completely down when stopped, and airing back up to ride.

You could also go with a smaller rear wheel.

Regardless, the bike will have no ground clearance and very little lean angle. So it will be effectively unrideable. Are you building a show bike? Or something you do want to ride around on?[/QUOTE]
 


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